Robert Common is a globally recognized expert in mental health, addiction treatment, and social services. As the CEO, Director, and Admissions Psychologist of Beekeeper House, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals journey to recovery and self-discovery. With a clinical doctorate and a master’s degree in social work, Robert’s extensive background in gender, sexuality, and diversity makes him a leading authority in his field.
Beekeeper House is a pioneering mental health and addiction treatment center in Thailand and Sri Lanka. With a medically licensed and accredited approach, the organization blends clinical psychology with Eastern philosophy, creating a comprehensive and compassionate healing environment for those struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Robert’s leadership helps Beekeeper House maintain its high standards of care. His work spans the clinical and admissions teams, allowing him to oversee the admissions process and help meet each client’s needs. His dedication to individualized care plans has made Beekeeper House a beacon of hope for many seeking long-term healing and recovery.
Robert’s career has taken him across more than 20 countries, where he has worked in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. His experience in war-torn regions and developing nations has provided him with invaluable insights into the complexities of mental health on a global scale. He has managed multi-million-dollar child protection and social services projects and brings a unique and profoundly informed perspective to his work.
However, Robert’s journey is also profoundly personal. As featured in Metro UK’s “How I Made It,” Robert openly shares his struggles with substance use, which were rooted in personal trauma. Living in London during the 90s and 2000s, he faced challenges with substance use, experiencing periods of dependency and health struggles that led to time in a psychiatric ward. While he achieved stretches of sobriety, difficult experiences sometimes resulted in setbacks. About a decade ago, he confronted another significant struggle with addiction, which he ultimately overcame on his own.
Robert was thriving professionally after launching The Beekeeper in Cambodia, but a devastating road traffic accident, which claimed the lives of several close friends and team members, pushed him to the brink. At his lowest, he contemplated reaching out to a drug dealer but instead chose to check into a trauma-focused treatment program in Thailand.
This experience was transformative. During his two-and-a-half months in treatment, he recognized the gaps in traditional rehabilitation services—many facilities treated addiction without addressing the underlying mental health issues that fuel dependency. From personal and professional experience, Robert knew that long-term recovery required a deeper, more comprehensive approach.
Robert believes that many in the addiction treatment industry are driven by profit rather than genuine care. He challenges the widespread notion that addiction is a disease, arguing instead that it is a symptom of more profound psychological distress. Without addressing the root causes, the likelihood of long-term recovery remains low.
This philosophy is what drives Beekeeper House. Unlike conventional rehab centers, Beekeeper House integrates mental health treatment with addiction recovery, focusing on healing trauma, anxiety, and depression alongside substance dependency. By combining Western clinical psychology with Eastern wellness practices, the center provides a holistic path to healing.
Robert is committed to continuing his work to revolutionize mental health and addiction treatment. By staying true to the principles of ethical care, comprehensive treatment, and genuine compassion, Beekeeper House remains a beacon of hope for those seeking lasting recovery.
For more information about Robert Common and Beekeeper House, visit beekeeperhouse.com or follow them on social media.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. Beekeeper House and Robert Common’s approach to mental health and addiction treatment reflects their professional philosophy and experiences but may not be suitable for everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please seek professional help from a licensed healthcare provider. The views expressed in this article do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Published by Tom W.
